Lighting Regulations in Swansea, Illinois: Balancing Development and Community Safety

Introduction

Swansea, Illinois, with its roots dating back to the late 19th century, has evolved from a rural area known for coal mining, foundries, and manufacturing into a thriving village within the St. Louis metropolitan area. Since its incorporation in 1886, Swansea has maintained a careful balance between development and preservation of community character.

The village's approach to lighting regulations reflects its commitment to providing adequate light for safety while preventing nuisances to adjacent properties. These regulations are designed to align with Swansea's comprehensive plan, which emphasizes securing adequate light, pure air, and safety for all residents.

Let's explore the various lighting requirements that property owners, businesses, and developers in Swansea need to understand.

Quick Reference Guide

Essential Lighting Requirements in Swansea:

• Common Areas in Multi-Family Buildings: 60-watt standard incandescent light (or equivalent) for every 200 square feet
• Egress Lighting (Non-Residential): Minimum 1 footcandle (11 lux) illumination
• Subdivision Street Lights: 150-watt sodium vapor carriage lights on 18-foot fiberglass poles
• Park Lighting: 150-watt lights every 150 feet, plus additional lighting at hazardous locations
• Parking Lots: Must be adequately lit during nighttime hours with shielding to prevent light spillage
• Sign Illumination: No red, yellow, or green lights that may confuse traffic; no blinking/flashing lights
• Dynamic Display Signs: Maximum 5,000 candela per square meter during day, 350 candela at night

Residential Lighting Requirements

Multi-Family Residential Buildings

In Swansea, residential buildings with three or more units must maintain adequate lighting in common areas:

• Common Hallways and Stairways: Must be lit at all times
• Minimum Illumination: 60-watt standard incandescent light bulb (or equivalent) for each 200 square feet of floor area
• Maximum Spacing: Lights must be no more than 30 feet apart
• Required Fixtures: Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room, and furnace room must contain at least one electric luminaire

Single-Family and Duplex Dwellings

While specific illumination levels aren't mandated for one- and two-family dwellings, all spaces must:

• Be provided with sufficient natural or artificial light to maintain sanitary conditions
• Have adequate lighting for safe occupancy and utilization of appliances and fixtures
• Have adequate outdoor GFCI-protected receptacles for outdoor lighting needs

Manufactured Home Parks

Mobile home parks have specific lighting requirements:

• Park Streets: Must have average illumination of at least 150 watts every 150 feet
• Additional Lighting: Required at potentially hazardous locations including entrances, streets, walkways, and steps

Commercial and Special Use Lighting

General Commercial Properties

Commercial properties in Swansea must ensure that:

• All means of egress are illuminated with at least 1 footcandle (11 lux) at floors, landings, and treads
• No excessive glare impacts neighboring properties
• Adequate light is provided for safety and security

Establishments Serving Alcohol

Businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption must follow these lighting rules:

• Interior Lighting: All rooms must be continuously lighted during business hours
• Light Type: Must use natural light or artificial white lights
• Visibility Requirement: All parts of the interior must be clearly visible
• Ground Floor Businesses: Must not use any lighting arrangement that prevents full view of the entire interior from the street

Cannabis Facilities

Dispensaries and cultivation centers have some of the most detailed lighting requirements:

• Security Lighting: Must provide adequate lighting for security purposes
• Exterior Lighting: The entire exterior, including parking areas and entrances, must be well-lit
• Restrictions: No flashing lights, search lights, or spot lights permitted
• Review Process: The Zoning Administrator and Police Chief must review and approve all lighting installations

Public Safety Lighting

Excavation and Construction Lighting

To protect public safety:

• Barriers and Lights: Anyone digging a ditch or excavation near public areas must erect suitable barriers and provide illuminated warning lights at night
• Street Obstructions: Any object (other than vehicles) standing on a street, alley, or public road must have an illuminated light at night
• Protection: It's prohibited to remove or interfere with any safety barriers, warning signs, or lights

Subdivision Street Lighting

New subdivisions must adhere to these requirements:

• Responsibility: Developers must provide street lights at all intersections and intermittent locations
• Specifications: Street lights must be minimum 150-watt sodium vapor carriage lights on 18-foot fiberglass poles
• Approval: Design must be approved by the Board of Trustees and conform to local utility standards

Parking Area Lighting

Swansea has clear requirements for parking area illumination:

• Nighttime Use: Every off-street parking lot regularly used during nighttime hours must be lighted for safe access
• Light Control: Lighting must be arranged or shielded to confine direct light rays within the lot lines
• Cannabis Facilities: Parking areas for cannabis businesses require enhanced lighting with video surveillance capabilities

Sign Illumination Standards

General Sign Lighting

All illuminated signs in Swansea must follow these guidelines:

• Traffic Safety: No sign may employ red, yellow, or green lights that could confuse drivers
• Light Quality: The light from any illuminated sign must be shaded, shielded, or directed to prevent nuisance to adjacent properties
• Prohibited Features: No sign may have blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or changing light intensity

Dynamic Display Signs

Digital or electronic signs with changing displays have additional requirements:

• Brightness Limits: Maximum 5,000 candela per square meter during daylight hours and 350 candela per square meter from dusk until dawn
• Residential Proximity: Signs within 200 feet of residential zones must be turned off between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
• Mounting Requirements: Must be flush-mounted or monument-style if near residential areas
• Compliance Timeline: Existing signs had 30 days from April 16, 2018 to meet these standards

Supporting Swansea's Lighting Vision

Bock Lighting, a manufacturer with roots dating back to 1918, understands the importance of balancing safety, functionality, and community character in lighting design. With experience in communities like Swansea that value both development and preservation, Bock appreciates Swansea's efforts to maintain adequate lighting while preventing light pollution and nuisances.

As a resource for communities, Bock Lighting recognizes that proper lighting enhances safety while respecting the character and values of the village. Their understanding of regional architectural styles and lighting needs allows them to support communities like Swansea in implementing lighting solutions that comply with local regulations while enhancing the community aesthetic.

The company's commitment to sustainable and responsible lighting practices aligns with Swansea's comprehensive plan goals of securing adequate light while preserving community well-being.

What Property Owners Should Know

Compliance Tips

If you're a property owner in Swansea, keep these key points in mind:

• Residential Properties: Ensure common areas in multi-family buildings meet the specified lighting levels
• Business Owners: Review requirements specific to your business type, especially for alcohol sales or cannabis facilities
• Sign Owners: Pay close attention to brightness levels, especially for electronic displays
• New Construction: Incorporate lighting requirements into your planning process from the start
• Light Trespass: Always ensure your lighting doesn't create a nuisance for neighboring properties

Benefits of Proper Lighting

Complying with Swansea's lighting regulations benefits both you and the community by:

• Enhancing safety and security around your property
• Reducing liability risks from inadequate lighting
• Contributing to the overall aesthetic quality of the village
• Preventing conflicts with neighbors over light trespass
• Supporting Swansea's vision for responsible development

Conclusion

Swansea's lighting regulations reflect the village's commitment to balancing development needs with community character and safety. From street lighting to electronic signs, these requirements ensure adequate illumination while preventing nuisances and hazards.

By understanding and following these regulations, property owners and businesses can contribute to Swansea's vision of a well-lit, safe, and attractive community. As the village continues to grow and evolve from its historical roots, thoughtful lighting will play an important role in shaping its future character.